Ten questions and answers with Deb Riggs, the general manager of TriHealth in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1. You sit on the board of directors of the Medical Fitness Association. What’s your perspective on medical fitness and its impact? Research has shown that as many as 40 to 50 percent of individuals who join a medical fitness center have never been a member of any type of fitness center prior to joining. Many of these individuals are uncomfortable about their own personal health, have a unique or limiting health condition and are searching for a non-intimidating environment in which to enjoy their workout. The types of quality programs and staff found in many medical fitness centers adequately address these concerns and become an attractive alternative to these individuals.
2. How have you seen medical-oriented fitness impact TriHealth’s members? It happens every day, especially with members who are enrolled in our “Exercise is Medicine” and other programs relating to balance, weight management, cancer wellness, arthritis and musculoskeletal services, since we have tracked their progress and can measure their success. The beauty of medical fitness centers is they have the qualified, professional, degreed staff who are trained to work one-on-one with people to give them the tools they need to help them attain their goals.
3. How did you get your start with TriHealth? I began with TriHealth in 1990 with the primary responsibility of overseeing the construction and operation of a small community-based fitness center in downtown Cincinnati. By 1992, our CEO at the time, Tom Wilburn, had a vision to introduce a medical fitness model to the area. I was placed on the project team, and in 1996 I was named general manager of the TriHealth Pavilion, set to open in 1997.
4. What’s your favorite part of the job? Seeing and hearing the success stories of our members. I participate in the monthly “Member of the Month” interviews and at times, it brings me to tears. To realize the work our extremely talented staff do every day to service the needs of people is just phenomenal.
5. What’s the most challenging part of your job, and how do you overcome it? Most challenging is when you realize you can’t please everyone. I learned this over time — we are all in this field because we love to help people. Sometimes you just can’t help everyone. You do your best.
6. What’s your leadership style? I empower my leaders to act as if the business were their own. When they oversee a department or part of the facility, they manage it.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? To take a risk and if you have a lofty goal, don’t allow anything to get in the way of achieving success. When you run into problems, as will happen, work on eliminating the barriers and don’t let the barriers stop the vision.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time? I sing with a women’s ensemble at my church and I also love to workout. I particularly love walking along the riverfront in downtown Cincinnati. It’s beautiful and invigorating. I now have a grandchild — he brings me joy and keeps me young at heart and very active.
9. If you weren’t in your current role, what job would you have? My career began in campus recreation and I absolutely loved it. Had I not moved back to Cincinnati 28 years ago, I’d like to think I would have remained in that field. However, I tell people if I were starting my career today, I’d love to work for ESPN. It didn’t exist when I went to college (yes, I just aged myself) and the opportunities for women in sports communication were just coming to be.
10. What advice can you give for incorporating medical-oriented fitness programs? Study the field carefully and know it requires an investment in quality staff, a dedication to providing unique and sometimes specialized programs and measuring outcomes. Doing so will gain the confidence and respect of prospective members who truly need sound advice and sound programming.
